15 Best Free Video Editing Software for 2024

With the millions of video content released on the internet daily, you can never go wrong with the right video editing software. Whether you are a social media content creator, small business owner, entrepreneur, Youtuber etc. looking forward to exploring free video editing software for your content, then this guide is for you.

With the right software and tools, you would be able to create and edit videos that will not only be appealing and attractive to the audience, however you will be able to multiply your conversion and sales. Professional, stunning and bright videos could help you boost your overall business performance than dull ones. Now let’s take a look at the 15 best free video editing software for 2024.

1. Davinci Resolve

This is the first on our list, as it remains one of the best video editing tools used by professional videographers and editors. The software features extensive and unique video editing capabilities, which makes it most suitable for film production, TV shows and so on. With its advanced features, including visual and color effects, and audio postproduction, many producers prefer the tools as they help them showcase their creativity with highly complex projects.

While intermediate and beginner users can still utilize this software, there are many advanced features and functionalities that must be studied in order to effectively maximize the software package. Not only that the software can be used for online editing but could also be utilized offline.

Pros

• It has many amazing features and functionalities
• It is used in film production and TV shows
• It has a facial recognition tool which detects faces in videos.

Cons

• Could be complex for beginners

2. Lightworks

The next on our list is Lightworks, and it is suitable both for professional video editors and intermediate users. It comes with some amazing features, including several ranges of import and export options, multiple effects and so on. Beyond that, it also comes with many exceptional features like 2D and 3D transitions, and precision trimming, which makes it suitable for use in film production and TV shows. While this free video editing software is highly valuable among professionals, especially filmmakers, it could specifically be overwhelming for newbies to utilize. As such, a newbie would need to study the features and functionalities of the software before using it.

Pros

• It has import and export options, making it easier to share videos
• Ability to grant your team live access to your project
• Allows you to upload different formats of videos
• Multi-track editing is available.

Cons

• You would need an upgrade for large-screen videos.

3. Hitfilm

As an intermediate or professional user, you can also sign up for the third on our list software package. However, there are some learning curves for the intermediate users that must be studied to utilize some advanced features. The software package has many features and functionalities like 360-degree editing that you would normally not find in a free video editor. Apart from that, it has several animation tools and 3D effects for films and videos. For beginner editors, there are several tutorial videos that come with the software which you can use to learn. You would also find that there are a range of subscription tiers for those who want more advanced features. However, even with the free version, there is a lot that could be done.

Pros

• One of the best for professional videos with motion tracking
• Has some exceptional tutorials to learn from.
• Comes with many advanced tools and functionalities.

Cons

• Beginners might need to go through learning for them to use the software.

4. Shotcut

Shotcut remains one of the most versatile editing software that supports a range of video formats. Its user-friendly interface makes it useful not only to experts but also to newbies. It offers many unique features including color grading, multi-track editing, filters and effects that make it more appealing to users. While this package might not usually be suitable for a very complex project, it remains one of the best you can use to edit simple videos on the go.

Pros

• Generally easy to import media with this software
• It has many features, filters and effects.
• It allows for direct streaming.
• It is an open-source software.

Cons

• Voice-over tools aren’t efficient

5. iMovie

iMovie is an Apple app. It has an easy-to-navigate interface coupled with the drag and drop features which you can use to move videos from the source into the software. If you specifically want to improve your YouTube marketing efforts, then this is the app to use. Beyond that, your files are automatically saved on Apple's cloud and this makes it quite easier to log in to your project with iPads, Macs and iPhones. You would also find that the software is regularly updated to include many other features. It has an already existing music library, includes a voice recording feature, has many video filter options and so on.

Pros

• Apple Cloud makes it easy to access your project on a different platform
• Beginner friendly
• iMovie constantly add new features 

Cons

• It lacks the customizability options found in some other software.

6. VideoPad

With VideoPad, you will be able to create high-quality videos easily. With so many great features, including 3D video editing, transitions, sound effects, overlays etc, the app remains one of the best for your beginners and professional video editing. The software also allows you to import and export your videos across many channels.

Pros

• Allows you to quickly share videos to social media handles
• It has double-screen features 
• It has a unique library of transitions and effects

Cons

• It might not be suitable for a complex editing project.

7. InShot

InShot is another mobile-friendly editing app. It is mostly suitable for small business owners, content creators, online influencers and many more. It offers a number of features, including trimming, cropping, cutting, merging, adding filters, stickers and text and many more. With this software, you will be able to resize a video to meet the specifications of a social media platform. There are also libraries of soundtracks you could include in your video editing. When you are done with your project, you can easily download the video and save it on your device or share it directly across several social media channels.

Pros

• Has a user-friendly interface
• Can be used by professionals and beginners
• Though a free app, it has many amazing functionalities
• It also has a speed control feature so you can determine the video motions.

Cons

• Mostly suitable for mobile editing.

8. Movavi Video Editor

Although Movavi Video Editor is easy to use, it's one of those softwares you would want to try as a newbie or professional. Its interface is quite easy to navigate and it can specifically be used to create social media reels. With this software, you would be able to create videos and save them in a variety of formats. Apart from that, you can create and edit high-quality video without having to spend a lot of time or energy.

Pros

• You can save and share your video in different formats.
• Produces only high-quality videos with one click.
• Easy to navigate and use.

Cons

• Watermarks are added to videos.

9. OpenShot

OpenShot is quite a user-friendly editing software suitable not only for beginners but also for intermediary users. It is a valuable tool for business owners who are on the lookout for editing apps for their social media content and ads. It offers features and functionalities ranging from video trimming, resizing, rotating, time mapping, audio editing and so on. The software also has a varying number of effects and animations and also supports many video formats, making it a flexible app for every user.

Pros

• Has drag-and-drop features that enable you to easily add videos and images
• It is available as an open-source software
• Available to use on different platforms like Windows, Macs, and Linux.

Cons

• It is not suitable for advanced editing.

10. Clipchamp

Clipchamp is owned by Microsoft, and it is one of the simplest video editing software out there. Even if you have never tried editing video before, this is one package to start with. It has some inbuilt video templates that make it possible to create and edit videos for many social media handles within a few minutes. With that, it isn’t only valuable to professional editors but remains one of the best tools for content creators and marketers. It has a stock library including many audio and visual tools and assets to maximise.

Pros

• Simple and generally easy to use by beginners
• Has loads of available templates
• No watermarks in the video
• Comes with a speaker coach that helps enhance voice-over skills.

Cons

• Might not be sufficient for professional video editing

11. WeVideo

WeVideo is another video editor that is suitable for beginners and experts. It has an easy-to-understand interface and many amazing features. You can use this software with any available device so far you’ve got an internet connection. Not only that, the software also creates a collaborative space for group projects.

Pros

• Suitable for group projects
• Easy to navigate and use
• It has a cloud-based storage system.

Cons

• With the free version, export quality is reduced.

12. VideoGrabber

With VideoGrabber you won't only be able to edit videos, but you can also download and convert videos into another format. It remains one of the most versatile software you can use for screen recording and basic video editing and creation. You can also download videos online with it and also utilise the video subtitle function.

Pros

• You can access it with any device
• Video download function available
• Easy to navigate and use
• Video subtitle feature is available.

Cons

It lacks advanced video editing features.

13. KineMaster

If you are looking for an app to use on the go, then you should try it. Kinemaster is quite popular among many small businesses and social media influencers. With the use of your mobile phone and this app, you will be able to shoot and edit videos quickly. Not only suitable for newbies, but can be used by professionals. It also includes many features that allow you to cut, crop, trim videos and more so you can easily download up to 2500 transitions and effects while using the app. There are also color adjustments and filters that could make your videos enticing and you can easily share your project across many platforms once you're done.

Pros

• Allows you to edit on the go
• You can easily download effects, transitions, soundtracks etc
• Suitable for beginners and professionals
• There are project backup features that ensure your work is intact.

Cons

• Only suitable for mobile use

14. Adobe Premiere Rush

Adobe Premiere Rush has an easy-to-use and user-friendly interface. The software package can be used across several platforms, including iPhone, Android, Mac and many more, making it a very flexible app to use. Beyond that, you can always save your project online and as such, you can complete your editing with any available device.

This particular feature thus makes it one of the most suitable software to use on the go. It contains many editing functionalities, however, you will be able to use color correction tools, time remapping, overlays and many more when you subscribe to a premium version. Overall, it's one of the best editing software that can be used by beginners and intermediaries.

Pros

• It has an easy-to-navigate interface
• Available on many platforms
• Generally easy to use

Cons

• Some platforms are restricted from some tools.

15. Canva Video

Canva Video is one of the best video editing tools for business owners, marketers, content creators, social media influencers and so on. The software isn't only suitable for beginners and intermediaries, but could also be used by professionals. Unlike Davinci Resolve software, this app cannot be utilized in film production or TV shows, but it has many amazing features and functionalities for real-time video editing. 

The software can be used to create short videos which you can easily distribute across many social media platforms. You will also be able to use several resizing, drag and drop and many other elements on the app. Even as a newbie, you will be able to navigate Canva tools without much stress.

Pros

• Generally easy to use
• Easy-to-understand interface
• Videos can be shared across many platforms
• Availability of free media assets.

Cons

• Not suitable for advanced editing projects.

What to Look Out for When Choosing a Free Video Editing Software

When deciding on video editing software for your project, there are a number of factors you should take into consideration.

1. User Interface

Preferably, video editing software should have a streamlined interface that is easy to navigate. It should have labeled menus that will allow you to easily select tools. With this, you would be able to put your creativity to work and come up with an attractive video. A cluttered interface, on the other hand, could make it difficult for you to access tools and navigate the software in general.

2. Support system

At one point or the other, you might need to ask questions about the software or feature usage. You should find out if there is a support system you could easily contact. Are there communities you could ask questions, can you contact their support through chat or email, or is there a list of FAQs that can help with questions? All of these are important things to check. You might also want to find out if there are tutorials for newbies who wish to learn before starting editing. This would specifically be needed if you’re utilizing a sophisticated software.

3. Compatibility

While also selecting a video editor, you should consider the compatibility with your device and operating system. While some software can be used with a mobile device, others cannot. On the other hand, some software works perfectly on desktops and laptops but can’t be used with mobile phones. You would also want to check if the software is compatible with Mac, Windows etc depending on the system you have.

4. Features and functionalities

The features and functionalities are another important factor to keep in check. Many of the video editors have their own unique features that make them stand out from the rest. You could find that some apps have basic editing tools that allow you to crop, cut, trim and edit videos while some have color correction, sound and motion tracking and some special effects. Whether you need advanced software or a basic one, you will always get one that suits your needs. 

5. Export options

Be sure to also check the export option. Are you able to download edited videos and share them in varying formats? Can you easily share the video across several channels? Will you also be able to download high-quality videos and share? All of this should be considered when selecting a free software package.

Conclusion

Whether you want simple free video editing software for your short clips or you desire a sophisticated one for a complex project, you will usually find many free software packages that meet your needs. This guide, therefore, has outlined the best 15 free video editing software for 2024.